GT40 Roadster

M

Mike Dozier

I thought I'd start this as a new thread.
Believe we've all seen pictures of the
GT40 spyder by Ford in the sixties.
Not bad looking. Better than the MK III
in my opinion (sorry Chris).

Believe Fran Kress still has an original spyder windshield or two still left that
someone could use as a mold if interest
existed. But to be honest I think that
windshield is a little too upright for me.
I like the original windshield. Ray Christopher's spyder is better looking
IMHO.

Meat's logo of the roadster has a nice
profile appearance, again IMHO better looking than the Ford version.
I think there's a market for a roadster.

I know John Donnely is developing one,
but he based it on the MK III, which I think
was an error (sorry John).

MikeD

[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: MikeDD ]
 
C

Gary Gibbs

I have also seen pictures of the prototype. Last I spoke with Bob Lacey (over a month ago) they were working out details of the A-pillar and the top. I understand that the New York dealer (HRE Motorsports) is receiving one now. I assume that this is the first production model not the prototype. I will try to find a bit more out and post again for those that are interested.

Edit: I spoke with Bob. I believe the car mentioned above at HRE is the prototype. The door and A-pillar design are being finalized. We will present pictures and specs when the design is finished. I can say that unless there are major changes that the windshield and basic profile are like the hardtop version. This is in contrast to the windshield arrangement on the original roadsters. I think the lines of the hardtop are more pleasing then the original roadster (personal preference).

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Gary Gibbs ]
 
M

C.A.V. has a spyder on the way to the states as we speak its really nice i seen pics of it.I cant what to see it in person Nick Mastroroco florida advanced vehicles FAV-GT40.COM
 
G

Just to be a little different as we do at the bottom of the earth in NZ, a client has made one of our early cars into an open top racer with a stubby wrap around screen, fixed doors, MKII rear ducts etc. It’s not finished but looks good. What's also impressive is the job he has done sucessfully shoehorning the BMW 750IL motor in, SS headers and exhaust!!. It’s for sale if any one is interested.

smile.gif
 
V

News Flash
just spoke to Bill at HRE motorcars,the spider cleared customs today.expecting delivery thursday . Yes I will be there to catch a look..
 
C

Hi Mike

I chose the MK111 because in 1983, when I purchased it I wanted a street legal GT40 that could carry luggage and would have be exact to the original body.
The Mk111 GT40 to this day can claim the most original body shape of all the GT40 replicas and is actually street legal. (Headlight height)
I also liked the fact that when I drive the 800 miles to Le Mans each year I can pull out my suitcase full of nicely pressed crease free clothes, and still have room in the boot
(Trunk) for the duty free booze and a toolbox. You can always tell a MK1 GT40 club member at Le Mans by the creases in his clothes and the fact he is always trying to retrieve his boxer shorts from his nether regions.
However I am building a MK1 for track use.
The thing is I have three son's, and my argument to my wife is that not only do I intend to leave them a watch each I also want to leave them a GT40 each, so it looks like after I get through with my MK1 track car, I will have to build a MK11 just to stop the arguments between my boys.
If I have any more sons I will have to get into MK1V production.
Regards
Chris
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[ January 28, 2003: Message edited by: Chris Melia ]
 
M

Mike Dozier

Chris

Your MK III looks great. And I'm sure you're
right about the additional cargo space.
That's certainly going to be an issue when
I take mine on an overnighter.

But the fact that FAV only sold (7) says
something. Whether it was just too expensive, or whether the quality just
wasn't there, I don't know. But compared
to the other sports cars of the mid-1960's
it just didn't catch on. What's your take?

MikeD
 
C

Hi Mike

It was twenty years ahead of its time, if you look at other cars of that era that were available to the public. No one could conceive of a 200mph road car they had nothing to compare it to.
The American journalist that slated the GT40 was only use to writing articles on VW Beetles and Datsun's. I should think the GT40 scared him silly as he had probably never exceeded 100mph before let alone achieved it in around 10seconds.

Regards,
Chris
PS I also think Henry Ford had something to do with it as he wanted an American built car to win Le Mans, I think it coincided with his decision to order the MK1V and it was a matter of prestige.

[ January 28, 2003: Message edited by: Chris Melia ]
 
J

Johan

Mr. Chris Melia,
That is nice car, is that guardsman blue or darker blue ?

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: Johan ]
 
M

Jim Glickenhaus

Chris
As my daughter has her eye on my MK-IV perhaps we should get her together with one of your sons so we can keep them in the family.
Best
Jim

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: MK -IV J6 ]
 
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